Support for supporting a structure on a surface

ABSTRACT

A support for supporting a structure on a surface, comprising at least one support element, each support element comprising a piston, a cylinder in which the piston is moveable, and a brake for maintaining the piston in a position that is stable relative to the cylinder, wherein the piston and the cylinder are arranged so that a loading associated with the structure effects an adjustment of the support element, and wherein an increase in hydraulic pressure within the cylinder, effected by the loading associated with the structure, activates the brake.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.13/446,513, filed Apr. 13, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,004,239 B2, whichis a divisional of prior application Ser. No. 10/588,545, which is aU.S. national phase application filed under 35 U.S.C. §371 ofInternational Application PCT/AU2005/001226, filed Aug. 16, 2005,designating the United States, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,302,743 B2, whichclaims priority from Australian Application Number AU 2005901474, filedMar. 24, 2005, and Australian Application Number AU 2004904616, filedAug. 16, 2004, which are all hereby incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly relates to a support for supporting astructure on a surface, for example, to a support having at least twoself-adjusting support elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Structures such as tables, ladders and tripods have legs for positioningon a surface. If not all of the legs contact the surface, the positionof the structure will be unstable. The position of the structure can bemade more stable by adjusting the heights of individual legs. This isoften done with a screw-type mechanism commonly found at the bottom ofthe legs.

Alternatively, all of the legs may be in contact with the surface butthe structure may not have a desired orientation relative to thesurface. Again, the position of the structure relative to the surfacemay be adjusted by adjusting the height of the individual legs with thesame type of screw mechanism. Other structures such as large machinesand houses may contact the ground directly without legs or throughsupporting beams or a base plate. Level or tilt adjustment of theselarge structures typically is done with individually controlled jacks orwedges.

In any case the adjustment of the position of the structure typically iscumbersome and time consuming. There is a need for a technicallyadvanced solution.

Pistons have been utilised to stabilise structures such as ladders,tripods and tables. Generally one piston is associated with each leg ofthe structure. The pistons are in fluid communication. Thus the pistonscan be utilised to together adjust the position of individual supportlegs. When the position of the structure is considered stable thepistons are manually isolated so no further adjustment occurs. Thesesystems do not provide self-adjusting support.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides in a first aspect a support forsupporting a structure on a surface, the support comprising at least onesupport element, the or each support element comprising:

a piston,

a cylinder in which the piston is moveable, and

a braking means for maintaining the piston in a position that is stablerelative to the cylinder,

wherein the piston and the cylinder are arranged so that a loadingassociated with the structure effects an adjustment of the supportelement,

and wherein an increase in hydraulic pressure within the cylindereffected by the loading associated with the structure activates thebraking means.

The or each cylinder typically has a fluid inlet/outlet and typically isarranged so that an amount of fluid flowing through the inlet/outletcontrols the movement of the or each piston relative to the or eachcylinder. The or each cylinder typically has an opening positioned sothat in use the movement of the or each piston effects a movement of asurface contact portion of the or each support element relative to thesurface.

The support typically has at least two support elements. In this casethe fluid inlet/outlets typically are interconnected by at least onefluid conduit so that the fluid can flow between the inlet/outlets. Thesupport typically is arranged so that in use, when the support is placedon the surface and at least one of the surface contact portions does notcontact the surface, a movement of the pistons relative to the cylindersis effected that adjusts the positions of the surface contact portionsrelative to the surface.

The support typically is self-adjusting which has a significantpractical advantage. For example, the structure with support may beplaced on the surface and at least one of the surface contact portionmay contact the surface while at least one other contact portion may notcontact the surface. The surface may be uneven or the structure may beplaced on the surface in an angled position. The structure typically isarranged so that the or each piston associated with the surface contactportion that contacts the surface moves inwardly and typically pushesfluid into the or each cylinders associated with the or each othercontact portion that does not contact the surface which typicallyeffects movement of each contact portion.

Alternatively, all contact portions may contact the surface but thestructure may be tilted to, for example, the rear of the structure. Inthis case the loading on the or each rear support element would increaseand the loading on the or each front support element would decrease. Thesupport is typically arranged so that the or each piston associated withthe increased loading moves inwardly and typically pushes fluid into theor each cylinder associated with the or each support element associatedwith the decreased loading.

The support typically is arranged so that, after adjustment and if allcontact portions contact the surface, the loading on the supportelements effects an increase in hydraulic pressure within the or eachcylinder which actuates the braking means and inhibits movement of thepistons so that the structure is in an adjusted and stable position.

In one embodiment each piston comprises the surface contact portionarranged to contact the surface. Alternatively, the surface contactportion may be a component that is either in direct or indirect contactwith the piston and that may be positioned so that a movement of thepistons relative to the cylinder effects a movement of the surfacecontact portions.

In a variation of this embodiment each cylinder may comprise a surfacecontact portion arranged to contact the surface. Alternatively, thesurface contact portion may be a component that is either in direct orindirect contact with the cylinder and that may be positioned so that amovement of the cylinder relative to the pistons effects a movement ofthe surface contact portions.

In a specific embodiment the support is arranged so that the pistonsmove relative to the cylinders, until an increase of pressure in thecylinders actuates the braking means. For example, this may be the casewhen the pressure in all cylinders has the same level.

The braking means of each support element may be hydraulic. For example,the piston of each support element may have a cavity arranged so that inuse fluid can penetrate from the inlet/outlet into the cylinder and intothe cavity. In one specific embodiment of the present invention thepiston is elongate and at least one side portion has at least one recessthat is linked to the cavity. A brake-pad or brake-cylinder typically ispositioned in the or each recess of the piston and arranged so that, iffluid penetrates into the cavity, the or each brake-pad orbrake-cylinder is in use moved towards an interior wall of the cylinder.In this case the braking means typically is arranged so that an increaseof the fluid pressure in the cavity increases the pressure of the oreach brake-pad or brake-cylinder against the interior wall of thecylinder and thereby acts against the moveability of the piston in thecylinder.

In a variation of this embodiment the cylinder may have at least onerecess in an interior side wall. The or each brake pad or brake cylindermay be positioned in the or each recess of the interior side wall andarranged to push against the piston.

The braking means of each support element may also be mechanical. Forexample, the support element may comprise a brake portion whichtypically is moveable relative to the cylinder and with the piston untilthe movement of the surface contact portion is restricted, for exampleby contact with the surface. For example, the brake portion may be thesurface contact portion. In this case the piston and brake portion maybe arranged so that, when the movement of the brake portion isrestricted, a further movement of the piston relative to the cylinderactivates the braking means. For example, the braking means may bearranged so that a movement of the brake portion against an interiorwall of the cylinder may be effected. In this case the piston and thebraking means may have wedging portions which in use effect the movementof the brake portion against the interior wall of the cylinder. Further,the brake portion may have one or more teeth on an exterior portion thatare arranged to interlock with one or more teeth on the interior wall ofthe cylinder if the brake portion is pushed against the interior wall ofthe cylinder.

In one embodiment of the present invention the support comprises areservoir for the fluid that is interconnected with the fluidinlet/outlets and that is in use typically positioned above thecylinders. The cylinders and fluid inlet/outlets are typically connectedso that a closed system is formed which may comprise the reservoir.

The support may also comprise a valve arranged to receive a hydraulicliquid. In this case the support is typically arranged so that, when thevalve is opened and the hydraulic liquid is pumped into the support, theor each support element lifts the structure from a first level to asecond level.

For example, the structure may be a furniture item such as a table,building such as a house, or any other structure that may be placed on asurface including airborne vehicles. The structure typically has threeor four support elements, but may alternatively have any number ofsupport elements.

The present invention provides in a second aspect an adjustable supportfor supporting a structure on an underlying surface, the supportcomprising a piston cylinder assembly, the piston being moveablerelative to the cylinder, with one of the piston or cylinder beingconnected to, or forming part of, the structure and the other beingassociated with a contact portion operative to engage the underlyingsurface, and braking means for inhibiting movement of the pistonrelative to the cylinder, wherein the braking means is operative inresponse to the application of predetermined loading conditions to aportion of the support.

The present invention provides in a third aspect a braking system for apiston and cylinder assembly, the braking system comprising a brakingmeans adapted to be actuated by an increase in fluid pressure within thecylinder.

In one embodiment of the third aspect the piston has a cavity arrangedso that in use fluid can penetrate from an inlet/outlet into thecylinder and into the cavity and wherein at least one side portion ofthe piston has at least one recess that is linked to the cavity. In thisembodiment a brake-pad or brake-cylinder is positioned in the or eachrecess of the piston and arranged so that if fluid penetrates into thecavity the or each brake-pad or brake-cylinder is in use moved towardsan interior wall of the cylinder. The braking means may then be arrangedso that an increase of the fluid pressure in the cavity increases thepressure of the or each brake-pad or brake-cylinder against the interiorwall of the cylinder and thereby acts against the moveability of thepiston in the cylinder.

In a second embodiment of the third aspect the braking system includes acavity separating a piston plate from the piston. The cavity may containresistance means such that in use the piston plate and piston areretained in a distal position relative to one another and on an increasein fluid pressure within the cylinder the piston plate and piston moveproximal to one another, actuating braking means. The cavity furthercontains at least one inlet/outlet extension extending through at leasta portion of the cavity so that in use fluid can penetrate from aninlet/outlet into the inlet/outlet extension and into the cylinder, andmeans for disrupting penetration of fluid through the inlet/outletextension and into the cylinder upon an increase in fluid pressurewithin the cylinder, actuating braking of the piston relative to thecylinder.

In one form the resistance means comprises a spring or a fluid-filledbladder.

In one form the inlet/outlet extension comprises a tube extendingthrough the cavity and into the cylinder.

In one form the tube is flexible and at least one of the piston plateand piston comprises crimpers extending into the cavity such that whenthe fluid pressure in the cylinder increases and the piston plate andpiston move proximal to one another the crimpers compress the flexibletube and disrupt fluid flow into the cylinder.

In another form the tube includes a valve such that when the fluidpressure in the cylinder increases and the piston plate and piston moveproximal to one another the valve disrupts fluid flow through the tubeand into the cylinder.

In one form the tube includes a first member extending therethrough andthe cavity contains a second member, the first member including a flowaperture to allow fluid penetration through the tube, the second memberbeing adapted to move between an open position and a closed positionsuch that in the closed position the flow aperture is blocked by thesecond member, disrupting fluid penetration through the tube and intothe cylinder.

In one form the inlet/outlet extension comprises a helical flexible tubeportion extending through at least a portion of the cylinder.

In a further embodiment of the third aspect the braking means issituated between two or more support elements and comprises at least twofluid reservoirs adapted such that, when the pressure in at least onefluid reservoir is below a threshold level, the fluid reservoirs are influid communication and, when the pressure in all fluid reservoirs isabove a threshold level, the fluid reservoirs are not in fluidcommunication.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a support forsupporting a structure on a surface, the support comprising at least onesupport element, the or each support element comprising a piston, acylinder in which the piston is moveable, and a braking means formaintaining the piston in a position that is stable relative to thecylinder, wherein the piston and the cylinder are arranged so that aloading associated with the structure effects an adjustment of thesupport element, and wherein the loading associated with the structureactivates the braking means if the moveability of a surface contactportion of the support element is reduced below a threshold value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B show schematic representations of a support for astructure according to an embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a support element forsupporting a structure according to an embodiment of the presentinvention,

FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a support element forsupporting a structure according to another embodiment of the presentinvention,

FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a support element forsupporting a structure according to a further embodiment of the presentinvention,

FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a support element forsupporting a structure according to yet another embodiment of thepresent invention,

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a representation of a support for astructure according to an embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 7 shows a front perspective view of a representation of the supportfor a structure of FIG. 6,

FIGS. 8 and 9 show a schematic representation of a support for astructure according to an embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 10A shows a schematic representation of the support for a structurein use,

FIG. 10B shows a schematic representation of the support for a structurein use,

FIG. 11 shows a schematic representation of a support element forsupporting a structure according to an embodiment of the presentinvention,

FIG. 12 shows a schematic representation of a support element forsupporting a structure,

FIG. 13 shows a schematic representation of the support element forsupporting a structure of FIG. 12,

FIG. 14 shows a schematic representation of the support element forsupporting a structure of FIG. 12,

FIG. 15 shows a schematic representation of a support element forsupporting a structure according to an embodiment of the presentinvention,

FIGS. 16 shows a schematic representation of a support element forsupporting a structure according to an embodiment of the presentinvention,

FIG. 17 shows a schematic representation of a support element forsupporting a structure according to an embodiment of the presentinvention,

FIG. 18 shows a schematic representation of a ball valve of the supportelement for supporting a structure of FIGS. 17,

FIG. 19 shows a schematic representation of a support element forsupporting a structure according to an embodiment of the presentinvention,

FIG. 20 shows a schematic representation of a support element forsupporting a structure according to an embodiment of the presentinvention,

FIG. 21 shows a schematic representation of a valve element according toan embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 22 shows a schematic representation of a valve element according toan embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 23 shows a schematic representation of a valve element according toan embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 24 shows a schematic representation of a valve element according toan embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 25 shows a schematic representation of a valve element according toan embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 26 shows a schematic representation of a a valve element accordingto an embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 27 shows a schematic representation of a system with a valve,

FIG. 28 shows a schematic representation of a system having four supportstructures,

FIG. 29 shows a cross-sectional representation of a support system ofone embodiment of the disclosure, and

FIG. 30 shows a cross-sectional representation of a support system ofFIG. 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a support for a structureaccording to an embodiment of the present invention is now described.FIG. 1A shows the support 10 supporting a structure 16. The supportcomprises in this embodiment 3 or 4 support elements though FIG. 1A onlyshows two of the support elements. Each support element 12 and 14comprises a cylinder 18 and a piston 20. The cylinders 18 each have afluid inlet/outlet 22 which is connected to the fluid inlet/outlet 22 ofthe other support element by tube 24. The cylinder 18 is filled withfluid. The amount of fluid that flows through the inlet/outlet 22determines the movement of the pistons 20 in the cylinders 18. As eachfluid inlet/outlet 22 is interconnected to another fluid inlet/outlet22, an upward movement of one of the pistons in the respective cylindermoves the fluid through the tube 24 and hence effects a downwardmovement of the other cylinder 20.

When the support is placed on surface 26, the weight of the structureeffects an upward movement of piston 20 in support element 14 and adownward movement of piston 20 in support element 12. The movements ofthe pistons therefore adjust the height of support elements 12 and 14.Once both pistons have reached the adjustment positions, the loadingassociated with the structure 16 effects a pressure increase within thecylinders and a brake (not shown) secures the pistons in the cylindersin the stationary position. As the adjustment and the securing of thepistons in the cylinders happens automatically, the support isself-adjusting.

In this embodiment, the support 10 also includes a valve 25 arranged toreceive a hydraulic liquid. When the valve 25 is open fluid can movebetween the support 12 and the support 14.

The valve 25 is adapted to restrict fluid transfer such that when thefluid on both sides of the valve 25 is pressurised above a thresholdvalue fluid flow through the valve 25 is limited or prevented. Incontrast when the fluid pressure on one side of the valve 25 is belowthe threshold value, the valve 25 is adapted to allow fluid transfer.When fluid transfer occurs, the pressure on both sides of the valve 25falls to below the preset limit and the interconnected valves 25 of eachsupport element 12, 14 will open to allow fluid transfer.

This allows the support element 30 to self-adjust upon a change inloading. That is when any one leg is unloaded leg height adjustment isallowed by the opening of the valves 25 and flow of fluid through thetube 24.

FIG. 1B shows a variation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A. In thiscase the structure that is supported by the support 26 is a table 28.

FIG. 2 shows detail of a support element 30 for supporting a structure,such as support elements 12 or 14 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. The supportelement 30 comprises a cylinder 32 in which a piston 34 is guided. Thecylinder 32 has a fluid inlet/outlet opening 36 for receiving andejecting fluid 38, such as a hydraulic liquid or water. The piston 34has a seal 35 for sealing the fluid 38 in the cylinder 32. The fluidinlet/outlet 36 is connected to another such fluid inlet/outlet ofanother support element (not shown).

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the piston 34 includes a cavity 40having openings 42 and 44 at the side portions of the piston 34. In theopenings 42 and 44 brake cylinders 46 and 48 are guided and if the fluidpressure in the cylinder 32 is above a threshold level, the brakecylinders 46 and 48 are pushed against the interior wall of the cylinder32 so as to position the piston 34 in a stationary position relative thecylinder 32. The cylinder 32 also has a thread 33 for mounting on astructure. This mechanism operates as a valve in the support element 30.

Typically, a structure such as a table is supported by 3 or 4 of thesupport elements 30 which are interconnected. After placing the table ona surface, the support elements typically adjust for an uneven surfaceand fluid flows between the cylinders until the pistons are in theadjustment position. The weight of the structure will increase thepressure above the threshold pressure and the brake cylinders 46 and 48move against the interior wall of the cylinder 32 so as to position thepistons stationary. Consequently, the table will then have a stableposition.

FIG. 3 shows a support element 50 for supporting a structure accordingto another embodiment of the invention. Again, the support element 50may function as support element 12 or 14 in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B and described above. The support element 50 comprises acylinder 52 in which a piston 54 is guided. The cylinder 52 has a fluidinlet/outlet opening 56 for receiving and ejecting fluid 58, such as ahydraulic liquid or water. The piston 54 has a seal 55 for sealing thefluid in the cylinder 52. The fluid inlet/outlet 56 is connected toanother such fluid inlet/outlet of another support element (not shown).In this embodiment the support element 50 comprises another piston 60positioned below the piston 54. The piston 54 has a cylindricalprojection 62 which is received by a corresponding cylindrical bore 66of the piston 60. The piston 60 has a cavity 68 which is filled with ahydraulic fluid 58 and which has openings 70 and 72. Brake cylinders 74and 76 are guided in the openings 70 and 72 and, if the fluid pressurein the cavity 68 is above a threshold level, the brake cylinders 74 and76 are pushed against the interior wall of the cylinder 52 so as toposition the piston 60, and thereby the piston 54, in a stationaryposition relative the cylinder 52. The fluid pressure in the cavity 68increases in response to the loading associated with the structure. Thatis, if the moveability of a surface contact portion 102 of the supportelement 50 is reduced below a threshold value by the loading associatedwith the structure.

The cylinder 32 also has a thread 77 for mounting on a structure.

Further, the support element 50 comprises a compression spring 79positioned around the projection 62. When the structure is lifted andtherefore the loading on the support element 50 is reduced, the spring79 functions to push the pistons 54 and 60 apart from one another andthereby reduces the pressure of the fluid in the cavity 68. As aconsequence, a back-movement of the brake cylinders 74 and 76 issupported.

FIG. 4 shows a support element 80 for supporting a structure accordingto a further embodiment of the invention. Again, the support element 80may function as support element 12 or 14 in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B and described above. The support element 80 comprises acylinder 82 in which a piston 84 is guided. The cylinder 82 has a fluidinlet/outlet opening 86 for receiving and ejecting fluid 88, such as ahydraulic liquid or water. The piston 84 has seals 85 for sealing thefluid in the cylinder 82. The fluid inlet/outlet 86 is connected toanother such fluid inlet/outlet of another support element (not shown).In this embodiment the support element 80 comprises another piston 90positioned below the piston 84. The piston 84 has a cylindricalprojection 92 which is positioned in a recess 96 of the piston 90.

The piston 90 has a ring-portion 98 which is composed of an elasticmaterial such as a rubber-like material and the projection 92 of thepiston 84 has a wedge portion 100. In this embodiment the piston 90 hasa surface contact portion 102 and when the support element 80 is in anadjusted position after movement of the piston 84 relative to thecylinder 82, the surface contact portion contacts the surface and themovement of the piston 90 is restricted. The weight of the structureeffects a further movement of the piston 84 in a downward directionagainst the piston 90 and the wedge portion 100 wedges the elasticring-like portion 98 outwardly against the interior wall of the cylinder82 and thereby inhibits further movement of the pistons 90 and 84 in thecylinder 82.

FIG. 5 shows a support element 110 for supporting a structure accordingto a yet another embodiment of the invention. Again, the support element110 may function as support element 12 or 14 in the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B and described above. The support element 110 comprises acylinder 112 in which a piston 114 is guided. The cylinder 112 has afluid inlet/outlet opening (not shown) for receiving and ejecting fluid118, such as a hydraulic liquid or water. The piston 114 has a seal 115for sealing the fluid in the cylinder 112. The fluid inlet/outlet isconnected to another such fluid inlet/outlet of another support element(not shown). In this embodiment the support element 110 comprises asurface contact portion 120 which is positioned below the piston 114 andaround projection 122 of the piston 114.

The projection 122 has wedge-shaped side projections 124 and the surfacecontact portion 120 has wedge-shaped recesses 126. In this embodiment,the surface contact portion comprises two parts 120 a and 120 b. Whenthe support element 110 is in an adjusted portion after movement of thepiston 114 relative to the cylinder 112, the surface contact portion 120contacts the surface and the movement of the surface contact portiontherefore is restricted. The weight of the structure effects a furthermovement of the piston 114 in a downward direction against the surfacecontact portion 120 and the wedge portions 122 move parts 120 a and 120b apart from one another and towards the interior wall of the cylinder112. In this embodiment, the lower part of the interior wall of thecylinder 112 has at least one tooth 128 on the surface and the parts 120a and 120 b have toothed surfaces 130. When the parts 120 a and 120 bare moved towards the interior side wall of the cylinder 112, the teeth128 engage with the toothed surface 130 and the engagement inhibitsfurther movement of the piston 118 and the surface contact portion 120.

FIGS. 6-9 show two support elements 140 and 140′ in use in a table 141.The support elements 140 and 140′ comprise a cylinder 132 and 132′ inwhich a piston 134 and 134′ is guided. The cylinders 132 and 132′ have afluid inlet/outlet opening 136 and 136′. The fluid inlet/outlet openings136 and 136′ are in fluid communication with one another. In thisembodiment the support elements 140 and 140′ comprise a piston extension144 and 144′ which is positioned below the pistons 134 and 134′ andattached thereto. The piston extensions 144 and 144′ are guided intelescopic cylinders 142 and 142′.

In use the table 141 is placed on an uneven surface and the supportelements 140 and 140′ typically adjust for the uneven surface. The fluid138 will flow between the cylinders 132 and 132′ until the loadingassociated with the structure acts to increase the fluid pressure withinthe cylinders 132 and 132′ above a threshold pressure and the brakingmeans 135 act to retain the piston 134 and 134′ in a stationary positionrelative to the cylinder 132 and 132′. Consequently, the table 141 willthen have a stable position.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show a support element 150 for supporting a structureaccording to a yet another embodiment of the invention. Again, thesupport element 150 may function as support element 12 or 14 in theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and described above. The supportelement 150 comprises a cylinder 152 in which a piston 154 is guided.The piston 154 includes a seal 155 which stops the fluid 158 fromescaping the cylinder 152. The cylinder 152 has a fluid inlet/outletopening 156. The fluid inlet/outlet opening 156 is in fluidcommunication with another such fluid inlet/outlet opening 156′. In thisembodiment the support element 150 comprises a piston extension 160which is positioned below the piston 154 and attached thereto. Thepiston extension 160 is guided in telescopic cylinder 162. This pistonextension 160 and telescopic cylinder 162 combination protects thepiston 154 and cylinder 152 assembly of support element 150. It can beseen that in use the transverse load on the piston 154 and cylinder 152assembly is limited by the protective piston extension 160 andtelescopic cylinder 162 combination.

In use the piston extension 160 and telescopic cylinder 162 allow thesupport element 150 to be composed of lighter-weight materials with lessstrength than would be required without the piston extension 160 andtelescopic cylinder 162.

FIG. 11 shows two support elements 150 and 150 incorporated into a table161. The support elements 150 and 150 are in fluid communication bymeans of fluid channel 163.

FIGS. 12-16 show a support element 170 for supporting a structure inmore detail. The support element 170 comprises a cylinder 172 in which apiston 174 is guided. The cylinder 172 has a fluid inlet/outlet opening176 for receiving and ejecting fluid 178, such as a hydraulic liquid orwater. The fluid 178 is contained in a bladder 179. The fluidinlet/outlet 176 is connected to another such fluid inlet/outlet ofanother support element (not shown). In this embodiment the piston 174has a cavity 180 having openings 182 and 184 at the side portions of thepiston 184. Cavity 180 contains fluid 181, such as hydraulic fluid orwater. In the openings 182 and 184 brake cylinders 186 and 188 areguided and if the fluid pressure in the cylinder 172 is above athreshold level, the brake cylinders 186 and 188 are pushed against theinterior wall of the cylinder 172 so as to position the piston 174 in astationary position relative the cylinder 172. The cavity 180 furtherincludes seals 197 for retaining fluid 181 within the cavity 180. Thecylinder 172 also has a thread 173 for mounting on a structure. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 14 the cavity fluid 181 is maintained in abladder 183.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-16 a piston plate 194 ispositioned between the fluid 178 in the cylinder 172 and the piston 174.The piston plate 194 includes a piston plate guide 195 which extendsinto the cavity 180. Seals 197 are positioned to retain fluid 181 incavity 180.

If the fluid pressure in the cylinder 172 is above a threshold level thepressure is transferred through the fluid 181 in the cavity 180 into thebrake cylinders 186 and 188 such that the brake cylinders 186 and 188are forced against the interior wall of the cylinder 172. At a thresholdlevel the piston 174 is held in a fixed position in relation to thecylinder 172.

The distance between the brake cylinders 186 and 188 and the fluid 178in the cylinder 172 is minimised in order to reduce the overall lengthof the support element 170.

FIG. 17 shows detail of a support element 200 for supporting a structurein a further embodiment of the invention. The support element 200comprises a cylinder 202 in which a piston 204 is guided. The cylinder202 has a fluid inlet/outlet opening 206 for receiving and ejectingfluid 208, such as a hydraulic liquid or water. The fluid inlet/outlet206 is connected to another such fluid inlet/outlet of another supportelement (not shown). The fluid inlet/outlet opening 206 includes a fluidinlet/outlet extension 207 which extends through a fluid chamber 209 ofthe cylinder 202.

In this embodiment the support element 200 has a cavity 210 positionedbetween a piston plate 214 and piston 204. The cavity 210 has an opening211 extending into the piston 204. Piston plate 214 abuts fluid chamber209 and comprises a piston plate guide 216 which extends into opening211 in piston 204. Piston plate 214 further comprises crimpers 218.

The fluid inlet/outlet extension 207 extends into the cavity 210 and tothe fluid inlet outlet 206 such that the fluid enters the fluid chamber209 after proceeding through the cavity 210 within the fluidinlet/outlet extension 207. Fluid inlet/outlet extension 207 includes aflexible portion 213 which extends through the cavity 210.

The cavity 210 further includes a resistance means 212. Resistance means212 retains the piston plate 214 in a position distal from the piston204. An increase in fluid pressure within the fluid chamber 209 actsagainst resistance means 212 to move the piston plate 214 proximal tothe piston 204. It can be seen that this movement brings the crimpers218 into contact with the flexible portion 213. In use, this disruptsthe flow of fluid through fluid inlet/outlet extension 207 andinlet/outlet 206 into fluid chamber 209.

If the fluid pressure in the cylinder 202 and fluid chamber 209 is abovea threshold level this disruption of flow results in the braking of thepiston 204 such that the piston 204 is held in a fixed position inrelation to the cylinder 202.

FIGS. 18 and 19 show detail of a support element 220 for supporting astructure in a further embodiment of the invention. The support element220 comprises a cylinder 222 in which a piston 224 is guided. Thecylinder 222 has a fluid inlet/outlet opening 226 for receiving andejecting fluid 228, such as a hydraulic liquid or water. The fluidinlet/outlet 226 is connected to another such fluid inlet/outlet ofanother support element (not shown). The fluid inlet/outlet opening 226includes a fluid inlet/outlet extension 227 which extends through afluid chamber 229 of the cylinder 222.

In this embodiment the support element 220 has a cavity 230 positionedbetween a piston plate 234 and piston 224. Piston plate 234 abuts fluidchamber 229.

The fluid inlet/outlet extension 227 extends into the cavity 230 and tothe fluid inlet/outlet 226 such that the fluid 228 enters the fluidchamber 229 after proceeding through the cavity 220 within the fluidinlet/outlet extension 227.

The fluid inlet/outlet extension 227 includes a braking valve 236 whichis moveable between a closed position and an open position. In the openposition fluid 228 flows through the fluid inlet/outlet extension 227and inlet/outlet 226. In the closed position fluid inlet/outletextension 227 is closed disrupting the flow of fluid within the system.

The cavity 230 further includes a resistance means 232. Resistance means232 retains the piston plate 234 in a position distal from the piston224. An increase in fluid pressure within the fluid chamber 229 actsagainst resistance means 232 to move the piston plate 234 proximal tothe piston 224. This movement actuates the valve 236 to bring it into aclosed position.

The closed valve 236 results in the braking of the piston 224 such thatthe piston 224 is held in a fixed position in relation to the cylinder222.

In the embodiment of FIG. 19 the piston plate 234 includes a pistonplate guide 235 which extends into a piston cavity 237 in the piston224.

The braking valve 236 is a piston valve or ball valve.

FIG. 20 shows a detailed view of a ball valve 236 within support element220. Ball valve 236 comprises valve arm 238 which extends into cavity230. When fluid pressure in the cylinder 222 increases piston plate 234moves proximal to piston 224 actuating valve arm 238 to move. At athreshold pressure ball valve 236 closes inlet/outlet extension 227.

FIG. 21 shows detail of a support element 240 for supporting a structurein a further embodiment of the invention. The support element 240comprises a cylinder 242 in which a piston 244 is guided. The cylinder242 has a fluid inlet/outlet opening 246 for receiving and ejectingfluid 248, such as a hydraulic liquid or water. The fluid 248 iscontained in a bladder 249. The fluid inlet/outlet 246 is connected toanother such fluid inlet/outlet of another support element (not shown).The fluid inlet/outlet opening 246 includes a fluid inlet/outletextension 247 which extends through the bladder 249.

In this embodiment the support element 240 has a cavity 250 positionedbetween a piston plate 254 and piston 244. Piston plate 254 abutsbladder 249.

The fluid inlet/outlet extension 247 extends into the cavity 250 and tothe fluid inlet/outlet 246 such that the fluid 248 enters the bladder249 after proceeding through the cavity 250 within the fluidinlet/outlet extension 247.

The fluid inlet/ outlet extension 247 includes a braking member 256which is moveable between a closed position and an open position. In theopen position fluid 248 flows through the fluid inlet/outlet extension247 and inlet/outlet 246. In the closed position fluid inlet/outletextension 247 is closed disrupting the flow of fluid 248 within thesystem. The braking member 256 comprises a first ceramic disk 257 and asecond ceramic disk 258. The first ceramic disk 257 includes an aperture259 which allows the flow of fluid 248 through inlet/outlet extension247.

The cavity 250 further includes a resistance bladder 252. Resistancebladder 252 is air or fluid-filled and retains the piston plate 254 in aposition distal from the piston 244. An increase in fluid pressurewithin the fluid chamber 249 acts against resistance means 252 to movethe piston plate 254 proximal to the piston 244. This movement moves thesecond ceramic disk 258 such that it covers the aperture 259 disruptingfluid flow through inlet/outlet extension 247. This results in thebraking of the piston 244 such that the piston 244 is held in a fixedposition in relation to the cylinder 242.

FIG. 22 shows a lever braking means 300 in a support element. Thesupport element 290 comprises a cylinder 292 in which a piston 294 isguided. The cylinder 292 has a fluid inlet/outlet opening 296 forreceiving and ejecting fluid 298, such as a hydraulic liquid or water.The fluid 298 is contained in a bladder 299. The fluid inlet/outlet 296is connected to another such fluid inlet/outlet of another supportelement (not shown).

The braking means 300 comprises a braking arm 306 which is attached topiston guide 305 and thereby indirectly to piston plate 304. When thefluid pressure in the cylinder 292 reaches a threshold value the pistonplate 304 moves downwardly actuating braking arm 306. Braking arm 306comes into contact with the internal wall of cylinder 292. Contactbetween braking arm 306 and the internal surface of cylinder 292 retainspiston 294 in a stationary position relative to cylinder 292.

The support can utilised in a variety of fields. For example, thesupport system can support a building, portable building, scaffolding,tripod, ladder, white goods, tables, chairs, furniture, stands, viewingplatforms, machinery, bulldozers and construction equipment.

FIG. 23 shows a valve element 310 of a support element for supporting astructure according to a yet another embodiment of the invention. Thevalve element 310 is positioned between two support elements (notillustrated). The valve element 310 comprises an upper fluid reservoir311 and a lower fluid reservoir 312. A ceramic disk 313 is disposedbetween the upper reservoir 311 and lower reservoir 312. The valveelement 310 further comprises two opposing pistons, upper piston 315 andlower piston 316. Upper piston 315 is positioned to be impacted by achange in pressure in upper reservoir 311. Lower piston 316 ispositioned to be impacted by a change in pressure in lower reservoir312. The ceramic disk 313 includes an upper reservoir aperture 320 and alower reservoir aperture 321. The upper piston 315 includes an upperpiston aperture 322 while the lower piston includes a lower pistonaperture 323. The pistons 315 and 316 are biased by means of springs 318and 319 such that when the pressure is below a threshold level in upperreservoir 311 the upper piston aperture 322 aligns with the upperreservoir aperture 320 allowing fluid to flow therethrough. Similarlywhen the pressure is below a threshold level in lower reservoir 312 thelower piston aperture 323 aligns with the lower reservoir aperture 321allowing fluid to flow therethrough.

When the force of the fluid pressure on either piston 315 and 316 isbelow that of the biasing force of either spring 318 and 319, the valve310 is in an open position and fluid can flow through the valve. Thesupport is arranged such that if a leg (not illustrated) rests upon asurface such as the ground, the mass of the table increases the pressurein the fluid in the reservoir associated with that leg forcing thepiston associated with that leg to move to cover the associatedaperture.

In FIG. 23, if the fluid in one adjustable leg is linked to the lowerreservoir 312 and this leg is lifted, so that it no longer takes load,the fluid pressure between the lower piston 316 and the leg decreases.The tension of the spring 319 is set so that a pressure decrease willresult in the lower piston 316 moving such that the lower pistonaperture aligns with the lower reservoir aperture in the ceramic disk313. This acts to allow fluid transfer between each of the legs. If,alternately, the leg associated with the upper reservoir 311 is liftedthe fluid pressure between the upper piston 315 and the associated legdecreases, allowing the upper piston 315 to move to open the upperreservoir aperture 322.

FIG. 24 shows a valve element 330 of a support element for supporting astructure according to a yet another embodiment of the invention. Thevalve element 330 is positioned between two support elements (notillustrated). The valve element 330 comprises an upper fluid reservoir331 and a lower fluid reservoir 332. An upper gel element 333 isassociated with upper reservoir 331 while a lower gel element 334 isassociated with the lower reservoir 332. The gel elements 333 and 334are shaped such that a force imbalance is created between the two sidesof a gel element. Outside edges 335 and 336 of the gel elements have agreater surface area than the inner edges 337 and 338 have. If thepressure in upper reservoir 331 increases, the pressure on the outeredge 335 of upper gel element 333 produces a force imbalance resultingin the gel element 333 deforming to decrease the fluid flow betweenupper reservoir 331 and lower reservoir 332. The valve element 330 isadapted such that when both the lower reservoir 332 and upper reservoir331 are above a certain pressure, the lower gel element 334 and uppergel element 333 deform to abut one another, preventing fluid flowbetween the lower reservoir 332 and the upper reservoir 331. If eitherthe lower reservoir 332 or upper reservoir 331 loses pressure, theassociated gel element will spring back to allow fluid to flow betweenthe upper reservoir 331 and lower reservoir 332.

The valve element 330 is arranged such that the fluid in one adjustableleg is linked to the lower reservoir 332 while the fluid in a secondadjustable leg (not illustrated) is linked to the upper reservoir 331.Hence if one leg is lifted, so that it no longer takes load, fluidtransfer between each of the legs is allowed.

FIG. 25 shows a valve element 340 of a support element for supporting astructure according to a yet another embodiment of the invention. Thevalve element 340 is positioned between two support elements (notillustrated). The valve element 340 comprises an upper reservoir 341 anda lower reservoir 342. An upper piston 343 is associated with upperreservoir 341 such that an increase in pressure in upper reservoir 341impacts upper piston 343. Similarly, a lower piston 344 is associatedwith upper reservoir 342 such that an increase in pressure in lowerreservoir 342 impacts lower piston 344. Each piston 343 and 344 isdisposed between an inner membrane 345 and 346 and an outer membrane 347and 348. The upper piston 343 and membranes 345 and 347 and lower piston344 and membranes 346 and 348 are shaped such that an increase inpressure in the corresponding reservoir impacts the outer membrane 347and 348 more than the inner membranes 345 and 346. A force imbalance iscreated between the two sides of each piston. As a result, if thepressure in upper reservoir 341 increases, the pressure on the outeredge of upper piston 343 produces a force imbalance resulting in thepiston 343 moving inwards to decrease the fluid flow between upperreservoir 341 and lower reservoir 342.

The valve element 340 is adapted such that when both the lower reservoir342 and upper reservoir 341 are above a certain pressure, the innermembrane 346 of lower piston 344 and the inner membrane 345 of upperpiston 343 abut one another, preventing fluid flow between the lowerreservoir 342 and the upper reservoir 341. If either the lower reservoir342 or upper reservoir 341 loses pressure, the associated piston willspring back to allow fluid to flow between the upper reservoir 341 andlower reservoir 342.

The valve element 340 is arranged such that the fluid in one adjustableleg is linked to the lower reservoir 342 while the fluid in a secondadjustable leg (not illustrated) is linked to the upper reservoir 341.Hence if one leg is lifted, so that it no longer takes load, fluidtransfer between each of the legs is allowed.

FIG. 26 shows a valve element 350 of a support element for supporting astructure according to a yet another embodiment of the invention. Thevalve element 350 is positioned between two support elements (notillustrated). The valve element 350 comprises an upper reservoir 351 anda lower reservoir 352. An upper piston 353 is associated with upperreservoir 351 such that an increase in pressure in upper reservoir 351impacts upper piston 353. Similarly, a lower piston 354 is associatedwith upper reservoir 352 such that an increase in pressure in lowerreservoir 352 impacts lower piston 354. Each piston 353 and 354 isdisposed on one side of a deformable membrane tube 356 which allowsfluid communication between upper reservoir 351 and lower reservoir 352.The upper piston 353 and lower piston 354 are shaped to have an outeredge 357 and 358 which is broader than the piston's inner edge 359 and360. Hence an increase in pressure in the corresponding reservoirimpacts the outer edge 357 and 358 more than the inner edge 359 and 360.A force imbalance is created between the two sides of each piston. As aresult, if the pressure in upper reservoir 351 increases, the pressureon the outer edge of upper piston 353 produces a force imbalanceresulting in the piston 353 moving inwards to decrease the fluid flowthrough the deformable membrane tube 356 between upper reservoir 351 andlower reservoir 352.

The valve element 350 is adapted such that when both the lower reservoir352 and upper reservoir 351 are above a certain pressure, the deformablemembrane tube prevents fluid flow between the lower reservoir 352 andthe upper reservoir 351. If either the lower reservoir 352 or upperreservoir 351 loses pressure, the associated piston will spring back toallow fluid to flow between the upper reservoir 351 and lower reservoir352.

The valve element 350 is arranged such that the fluid in one adjustableleg is linked to the lower reservoir 352 while the fluid in a secondadjustable leg (not illustrated) is linked to the upper reservoir 351.Hence if one leg is lifted, so that it no longer takes load, fluidtransfer between each of the legs is allowed.

FIGS. 27 and 28 show a valve element 370 of a support element forsupporting a structure according to a yet another embodiment of theinvention. In this embodiment, each leg 371-374 being supported includesa fluid bladder 375 and 375′. When pressurised the fluid bladders 375take the load of the table leg. Each bladder 375 has two hoseconnections 376 and 377 allowing fluid transfer between the fluidbladders 375. The hoses 376 and 377 extend between the fluid bladders375 such that for any given fluid bladder, one hose connection iscontrolled by a valve 378 and the other hose connection is open to thebladder.

In the case of a support with two bladders 375 the hoses 376 and 377 areconnected in cross over style as shown in FIG. 5. That is, the hose 377on one leg, connected via the valve 378, is connected directly to thebladder on the other leg without a valve, and vice versa. With thisconnection arrangement, when both valves are closed, no fluid transferoccurs, and when either valve is open fluid transfer can occur.

In a four bladder arrangement each bladder is connected to its twoclosest neighbours. FIG. 6 shows the connections between the legs. Eachleg is connected to two other legs, but not to the diagonally oppositeleg. Thus if the leg 372 is not on the ground taking load, it can drawfluid from the two neighbouring connected legs, but not the diagonallyopposite leg. Further, if more than one leg is lifted from the ground,all lifted legs can receive fluid from the legs taking load.

The valve 378 is a tube pinch valve which acts to block fluid transfertube when weight is placed on the table leg. If all feet are touchingthe ground, each bladder is pressurised and can support weight from thetable. As a result the table weight acts to pinch the transfer tubesclosed so that no fluid flow can occur.

If a foot is lifted from the ground, that unit no longer takes anyweight from the table and the pressure from the other connected bladderswill force the valve 378 to move away from the upper tube and allowfluid flow through the upper tube, thus extending the leg until ittouches the ground and starts to take some of the table weight.

FIGS. 29 and 30 show a support element incorporated into a helicopterlanding structure 380. The helicopter landing structure 380 comprisestwo or more independent landing struts 382. Each landing strut 382incorporates one or more support elements 400. In the case where onelanding strut 382 incorporates more than one support element 400, thelanding strut may be divided such that in use there are four or moreindependent landing elements.

The support element 400 comprises a cylinder 402 in which a piston 404is guided. The piston 404 is attached to the helicopter landing strut382 such that movement of the landing structure 382 correlates withmovement of the piston 404. The cylinder 402 has a fluid inlet/outletopening 406 for receiving and ejecting fluid 408, such as a hydraulicliquid or water. The fluid 408 is contained in a bladder 409. The fluidinlet/outlet 406 is connected to another such fluid inlet/outlet ofanother support element (not shown).

The support element 400 further comprises braking means 384.

In use, upon the helicopter (not illustrated) landing on an unevensurface, the support element 400 typically adjusts for the surface andfluid 408 will flow between the cylinder 402 and the cylinder of anothersupport element (not shown) associated with a separate landing strut(not shown). The fluid 408 will flow until the loading associated withthe structure acts to increase the fluid pressure within the cylinder402 above a threshold pressure and the braking means 384 act to retainthe piston 404 in a stationary position relative to the cylinder 402.Consequently, the helicopter landing structure 380 will then have astable position. This increases the safety of helicopter landings.

The support shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B can also be used for a leveladjustment for furniture or white goods. For example, the structure 16may be a refrigerator supported by four support elements such as supportelement 12 and 14. If the refrigerator is tilted backwards, the pistonsof the rear support elements move upwards and push hydraulic liquid intothe cylinders of the front support elements and the pistons of the frontsupport elements move in a downward direction. Once the refrigerator isreleased, the refrigerator will stay in the adjusted position and theweight of the refrigerator will cause the brakes of each support elementto engage the respective piston with the respective cylinder.

The cylinder and pistons may be composed of a metallic material such asaluminium or steel. Alternatively, the pistons and cylinders may also becomposed of a suitable plastics material. The inlet/outlets of thesupport elements typically are interconnected using a suitable rubberhose, but may also be interconnected using a plastics or metallic hose.

The internal diameter of the hose and also additional valves may be usedto control the throughput of the hydraulic liquid through the hose andtherefore the sensitivity (reaction speed) of the support for adjustingfor changed loading conditions. The inlet/outlets may also beinterconnected via a reservoir.

Although the invention has been described with reference to particularexamples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that theinvention may be embodied in many other forms. For example, the cylinderof each support element may comprise braking means that has parts whichmove against a side portion of the piston. Further, the cylinder of eachsupport element may comprise a surface contact portion and the pistonmay be arranged to be connected to the structure. In addition, it is tobe appreciated that the pistons and cylinders may be composed of anysuitable material and may be of any suitable shape.

Further, the support may only comprise one support element. For example,the support may be a single supporting member, such as a prop forsupporting a building structure, which is compressible and has a brakingmeans which engage above a predetermined loading so that the supportingmember can support the structure.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of theinvention, except where the context requires otherwise due to expresslanguage or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variationssuch as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e.to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude thepresence or addition of further features in various embodiments of theinvention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A support element for supporting astructure on a surface, the support comprising a plurality of supportelements, each support element comprising: a piston and cylinderassembly comprising a piston located in and moveable with respect to acylinder, each cylinder containing a fluid in a fluid chamber, the fluidchamber being in fluid communication with a fluid chamber of at leastone other support element of the support through an outlet for fluid,each fluid chamber defined by at least one wall, each at least one wallbeing able to adopt a configuration in which it physically blocks fluidcommunication from the fluid chamber through the outlet in response to achange in loading on the structure, the disruption of fluidcommunication acting to stop movement of each piston with respect toeach corresponding cylinder.
 2. A support element for supporting astructure as defined in claim 1, wherein the piston and cylinderassembly acts as a foot of the structure and movement of the piston withrespect to the corresponding cylinder changes the orientation of thestructure.
 3. A support for supporting a structure as defined in claim1, wherein the disruption of the fluid communication is reversiblethrough changing the loading on the structure.